Suncorp calls for greater sharing of repair information

Suncorp has called for motor repair and maintenance information to be made more available to repairers to ensure quality repairs and increase consumer confidence.

In a detailed response to the Commonwealth Consumer Affairs Advisory Council’s (CCAAC) Issues Paper, Suncorp said modern cars were increasingly complex and repairers needed detailed information to ensure safe, quality repairs.

This would also increase consumer confidence and keep repair costs, and therefore insurance premiums, more affordable for customers.

Suncorp Head of Motor Claims, Sean Dempsey, said safety was the key priority for Suncorp and for the repair industry.

“Some of the new cars on the market have multiple types of steel, as well as new plastic components and various other advanced technologies. Repairers need detailed information to know how to fix these cars safely.”

Mr Dempsey also said that withholding information restricted competition.

“Ultimately, that means higher prices, longer waiting times and reduced choice for customers.”

Mr Dempsey added that there was no evidence to support claims that access to information could increase the ‘cowboy’ or sub-standard repairs.